The U.S. Olympic Team is significantly smaller this year than in previous years. This is a result of the change in criteria and the selection process, which was put into effect this past summer. Country's such as Norway, Germany, Italy, etc., who have an overall better FIS ranking, are allotted up to 20 spots. However, if they choose to take fewer athletes, the "left over" spots get passed down to the next ranked country. Long story short, the U.S. Team was initially granted 8 spots, 4 men and 4 women. Since then, a few spots have opened up and now the U.S. has an additional 3 spots, totaling 11 athletes.
I have had a good season with some strong results, consistently placing in the top-10 nationally, but unfortunately I am on the edge and with so few spots available I probably won't make the team. (I say probably, because there is still a chance that more spots will open up). While this is disappointing, I am satisfied with the hard-work and improvements I have made throughout the season. I qualified to represent the U.S. at the World Cup races in Canmore, Alberta. I leave on Tuesday and will compete in the 10k skate on Friday, February 5th and hopefully the classic sprint on Saturday, February 6th. These races will be a great opportunity to race against the best in the world and yes, most of them, if not all, will be racing in the Olympics. So for me, I am going into these races, thinking they ARE the Olympics, at least they will be for me!
I have spent the last two weeks trying to figure out what my racing plan will be for the rest of the season. After a lot of thought and figuring what will be best for me and for improving as an athlete, my travel and racing plans look like this:
February 2nd-7th: Canmore World Cup - 10k skate, classic sprint
February 9th-14th: Aspen Super Tour- 5k classic, 21k skate
February 15-20th: Training block in Sun Valley
February 21-26th: Olympics in Whistler- spectate and train
February 27-March 16th: OPA cup trip in Europe- La Feclaz, France and Rogla, Slovenia
March 17th-28th: Fort Kent, Maine -U.S. Long Distance Nationals
Whoa! Quite the plan... I am very excited for the rest of the season! I am very fortunate to be able to race in Europe. It will be a great opportunity for me to race against some very fast and accomplished skiers and also to improve my points. It will be a great experience!
Me, leading the way in early season Canmore sprints
Thanks to all of those who support me! I couldn't do it without your help!
Onwards and upwards!
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